A Twist In Fate

5

Black hair, slicked back. The usual style I've seen every time we've ever met. Face cleanly shaved, no stubble in sight. Dressed, casually to match my outfit. Long sleeve white button-up, black slacks, white dress shoes, and a black wool trench coat thrown over his shoulder. He stands in the doorway to our room, leaning against its frame.

"Is this suitable?" His voice deep, reverberating within me.

"You matched me?"

"Would you have preferred me not to?"

"No, just didn't expect it." I smile, "Ready for dinner?"

"Only if you are." He offers his arm and we walk to the garage holding our new cars. "Ladies choice. I'll drive." I look at the hanging keychains, grab one, and toss it at him. He glances at it before looking at me and smirking. "Good choice, let's go." Opening the door for me, I attempt to get in as gracefully as I can, only to fumble slightly. He swiftly catches my arm to support me. "Careful now. We haven't left the house."

"Thank you." I say bashfully. "So much for trying to be proper and graceful."

"You don't need to try to be anything. You can just be yourself."

"Yeah, right." I roll my eyes as I settle into the passenger seat. He closes the door and makes his way around to get into the driver's seat. Buckling up, we pull out of the garage and drive down the darkened driveway.

Trees billow around us, shrouding us in the darkness. Lamp posts light up our path with a soft orange glow every now and then. I didn't notice before, but the driveway was quite extensive. Proving how secluded our house was. Finally reaching the end, we make a right. Our drive is silent, teetering on the edge of awkwardness. I reach up to turn on the radio. Music instantly fills the car. Not really into it, I start flipping through the different stations.

"You can just bluetooth your playlist." His flippant response to my indecisiveness makes me freeze.

"I was just curious to see what was on the other stations." I retort.

"Mmm, well to me, it seemed as if you were unsatisfied with what the radio was providing."

"It may be dark, but I can tell you're smirking. For that, you are going to suffer." I connect my phone's bluetooth to the car and switch on one of my playlists. Cranking up the volume, loud EDM pulsates through the speakers. I close my eyes, losing myself in the beats. Bobbing my head here and there. Before I know it, we pull to a stop. Charles turns the music down and looks at me. The lights above giving me just enough to see the amusement in his eyes. "What? Couldn't handle it?" I smirk, flipping my hair.

"I get down with EDM. So much for your threats of suffering." He laughs as he exits the car.

"Who knew big Mr. Lawrence could get jiggy with EDM. Would've never guessed." I get out of the car and scoff.

"There's a lot that you couldn't guess about me. It's nice to see you're finally relaxing a bit more now." His words are genuine. Makes me think this isn't so bad afterall. I link my arm in his and let him lead us up to a semi-formal restaurant.

"Rotani's?!" I squeal and jump in excitement. "Ahem, sorry. Rotani's is a good choice." I clear my throat and feel a bit of shame. Mother would've scolded me if she knew what I just did.

"Don't apologize. Like I stated before, you can be yourself. There is no judgment here." He laughs and tugs me through the front double doors.

"Welcome to Rotani's, Mr. Lawrence and Miss. Evergreen. Are we ready for dinner?" A short man approaches us, dressed similarly like a butler.